Lessons Learned
Treasure
Interestingly, even as a Sub, one
is a treasure keeper. Even as a Sub, one needs eyes of the heart that perceive
and then respond gently but deliberately to the subtle personality dynamics and
uniquenesses of each new class. They(the students) come with their gifts and,
depending on affirmation or not, they quickly and aptly assess the value given
them. This personal, internal assessment, accurate or not, has a clear bearing
on confidence and subsequently, behavior. Each child, each student is a
treasure. Unique. Priceless. Beautiful. Even as a Sub, one must tenderly tend
to this treasure. Truly, each classroom is a miraculous treasure box filled with
infinite, marvelous treasure, and that sparkling treasure is, of course, the
students. Uniquely wired, uniquely gifted, unique in every conceivable way,
these precious students enter our classrooms and our hearts unknowingly seeking
the unique gifts we possess in order that they might be inspired to reach,
stretch, grow, dream, and imagine. Their confidence, their compassion, their
success will be their future and ours, as well. Not long ago, I asked an
elementary class, “Is love a dessert or a vegetable?” After considerable
discussion, the entire class responded, “Both, because desserts are delicious
and fun, and vegetables are something you need.” “Okay,” I said, “Is love
winter or summer?” “Both,” they replied again. “Winter because it draws you
close in hugs to keep warm and summer because it makes your heart feel free and
joyful.” We questioned and answered for a lovely long time. Each one fully
engaged and bubbling to the brim with clever, divergent responses. The
children never ran out of ideas. They never ran out of enthusiasm for chasing
and concocting creative solutions to questions. They never ever ran out of
imagination; children don’t you know. Inexhaustible. Boundless. This is
fortunate, for one day these inventive minds will be required to help solve the
complexities of life facing us all. So we stir the fire that lights their eyes,
their imaginations, and causes them to believe in and use the great gifts
planted in the rich soil of their hearts. Treasure. Here is the treasure.
For the duration of but one school year, or in the case of a Sub
perhaps just one day, we teachers are charged with the privilege and immense
responsibility of caring for and cultivating the treasure entrusted to our
keeping, bravely leading them on captivating and daring adventures through
every content area and sometimes simply gathering them all in closely together
on the reading rug for a magic carpet ride through the pages of a book.
No comments:
Post a Comment